Malta International Airport has been awarded the title Most Noteworthy Airport for a New Small Budget Programme by Passenger Terminal World, the international review of airport design, technology, security, operations and management.

The airport, which is being classified among the top 15 airports worldwide joined those of Dubai, Brussels, San Francisco, Stockholm, Heathrow, Changi, Barcelona and Vienna, which were also awarded.

Last June MIA unveiled its expansion project which is intended to enhance customer comfort and has improved its logistic offer embellishing the structure of the terminal building and focusing on its objective to diversify and increase its non-aviation activity.

MIA’s investment has been described as having totally transformed the passengers’ experience marking a new approach to its commercial activities.

MIA’s CEO Julian Jaeger said: “this award shows we are on the right track, this recognition gives us confidence that we will become one of the best airports in the Mediterranean and it is significant for us that one of the most important industry publications substantiates our positive performance in this regard”.

The Passenger Terminal World Annual 2010 has made reference to MIA stating;

“When a new terminal can cost US$1.5 billion it is hard to think that many wonderful airports are being developed for a fraction of that sum, but Malta Airport is one such. With its current development programme it is a small airport with big plans – improving the commercial offer, enlarging security and other essential services, and gaining plaudits from the country’s population.”